South African Police Service acquires a new rape-kit supplier

Rape kits will soon be available in police stations around the country.

An announcement made by the South African Police Service that a rape-kit supplier is appointed after the previous tender was cancelled in 2017 due to alleged corruption.

“In 2017 reports of alleged corruption between a supplier and certain police officers emerged compelling the SAPS to stop purchasing evidence collection kits from that supplier.”

SAPS

New rape kits have been acquired

The police said on Sunday that new rape kits had been received during the weekend, and would start being distributed right away. They have acquired a new contract with a company to supply evidence collection kits.

Corruption between cops and supplier caused the prevailing issue

This occurs after claims of rape kit shortages, were affected by alleged corruption between the supplier of the kits and “certain police officers”.

“We understood the urgency of this matter and it was corrected with speed. Going forward we won’t put people on the tenterhooks again.”

SAPS

The delays in this resulted in critical shortages in rape kits across South Africa, and this shortage happened as rape-kits were being used but not being replaced. Parliament has raised concerns about the situation and demanded a solution, in a further statement by the SAPS:

“As time progressed kits were being used but not replaced due to the termination of the contract. It was then that SAPS management had introduced a contingency measure, by instructing provinces to start procuring these Evidence Collection rape kits on a quotation basis. This was done as and when the need arose pending the finalisation of the awarding of a bid to single successful supplier.”

SAPS

There was a shortage of 128 00 rape kits

The distribution of these kits will be monitored and SAPS is set to deliver rape kits to police stations across the country.

“We take this issue seriously, especially when it relates to crimes against women and children. I stand by statements made in my past budget vote speeches: We will prioritise and intensify the fight against crimes targeting women and children and vulnerable groups.”

Bheki Cele, Police Minister

The current figures indicate that SAPS has run short of over 128 000 rape kits, with only around 18 000 adult rape kits in circulation in SA.

“I want to assure the nation that between the time of the termination of the previous contract, and granting of this latest contract, we have put effective measures in place to ensure people received the desired service.”